Relating to the authority of certain special districts to use operation and maintenance ad valorem tax funds to pay the costs of contracting for or employing peace officers.

HB 2372 amends Texas Water Code Section 49.107(a) to explicitly allow water districts and similar special districts to use their existing operation and maintenance property tax funds to pay for contracting or employing peace officers. This directly affects water districts that collect ad valorem (property) taxes, enabling them to cover security costs within their current budget framework. The key provision adds "costs of contracting for or employing peace officers" to the list of allowable expenses for operation and maintenance funds. The bill does not create new taxes or funding streams but expands how existing district funds may be allocated. It takes effect September 1, 2025, unless approved for immediate effect by a two-thirds vote.